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The Instant Review System (IRS) in badminton is a technology-driven mechanism that allows players to challenge line calls made during matches. Its goal is to ensure fairness and minimize human errors by providing accurate judgments through high-speed camera technology. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the system works:
1. Technology Used
The IRS utilizes Hawk-Eye technology, a computer vision system comprising multiple high-speed cameras placed around the court. These cameras track the shuttlecock’s trajectory in real-time and create a 3D representation of its flight path. This allows the system to determine whether the shuttle landed inside or outside the court with millimeter precision.
2. Process of Using IRS
1. Challenging a Call
- Players can challenge the line judge’s decision if they believe it is incorrect (e.g., a shuttle is called out but they think it was in).
- The challenge must be made immediately after the call—delays may result in the challenge being denied.
- Players signal their challenge by raising their hand or verbally notifying the umpire.
2. Initiating the Review
- The umpire stops play and announces the player’s challenge.
- The IRS team uses Hawk-Eye to analyze the shuttlecock’s trajectory and determine the exact landing spot.
3. Outcome of the Review
- The result is displayed on a screen visible to players, officials, and spectators.
- The decision is final and overrides the line judge’s call if proven incorrect.
- If the challenge is successful, the point is replayed or awarded as appropriate.
- If the challenge fails, the player loses one of their allocated challenges.
3. Challenge Limits
- Players are typically allowed two unsuccessful challenges per game.
- If a challenge is successful, it does not count against their limit.
- Challenges reset at the start of each new game in a match.